EP3867975B1 - Dekoratives radom und verfahren zu seiner herstellung - Google Patents

Dekoratives radom und verfahren zu seiner herstellung

Info

Publication number
EP3867975B1
EP3867975B1 EP19797983.4A EP19797983A EP3867975B1 EP 3867975 B1 EP3867975 B1 EP 3867975B1 EP 19797983 A EP19797983 A EP 19797983A EP 3867975 B1 EP3867975 B1 EP 3867975B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
decorative
radome
radio
substrate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19797983.4A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3867975A2 (de
Inventor
Simon Belcher
Dean CARUSO
Scott Edwards
Tim Symonds
Garry Gordon Leslie Fimeri
Bastian Stoehr
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Motherson Innovations Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Motherson Innovations Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2018903894A external-priority patent/AU2018903894A0/en
Priority claimed from DE102019100669.4A external-priority patent/DE102019100669A1/de
Priority claimed from DE102019101033.0A external-priority patent/DE102019101033A1/de
Application filed by Motherson Innovations Co Ltd filed Critical Motherson Innovations Co Ltd
Priority to EP25194164.7A priority Critical patent/EP4664680A3/de
Publication of EP3867975A2 publication Critical patent/EP3867975A2/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3867975B1 publication Critical patent/EP3867975B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/32—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
    • H01Q1/3208—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the application wherein the antenna is used
    • H01Q1/3233—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the application wherein the antenna is used particular used as part of a sensor or in a security system, e.g. for automotive radar, navigation systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B29C45/14688—Coating articles provided with a decoration
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/42—Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
    • H01Q1/422—Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome comprising two or more layers of dielectric material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/44—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna, e.g. means for giving an antenna an aesthetic aspect
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B29C2045/1486—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations
    • B29C2045/14868—Pretreatment of the insert, e.g. etching, cleaning
    • B29C2045/14877—Pretreatment of the insert, e.g. etching, cleaning preheating or precooling the insert for non-deforming purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2055/00—Use of specific polymers obtained by polymerisation reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, not provided for in a single one of main groups B29K2023/00 - B29K2049/00, e.g. having a vinyl group, as moulding material
    • B29K2055/02—ABS polymers, i.e. acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2669/00—Use of PC, i.e. polycarbonates or derivatives thereof for preformed parts, e.g. for inserts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/34—Electrical apparatus, e.g. sparking plugs or parts thereof
    • B29L2031/3456—Antennas, e.g. radomes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C14/00—Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material
    • C23C14/06—Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material characterised by the coating material
    • C23C14/14—Metallic material, boron or silicon
    • C23C14/20—Metallic material, boron or silicon on organic substrates
    • C23C14/205—Metallic material, boron or silicon on organic substrates by cathodic sputtering
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/02—Arrangements for de-icing; Arrangements for drying-out ; Arrangements for cooling; Arrangements for preventing corrosion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to protective covers for radar systems known as radomes, in particular to multi-layered radomes including decorative visual features. Such radomes are particularly useful in the automotive industry.
  • the present invention refers to a method of producing a decorative radome.
  • Radio Detection and Ranging Systems work on the basis that illuminating radio waves (radar signals), emitted from a transmitter, are reflected or scattered by solid objects. These reflected radar waves are then detected by a receiver, which is generally proximal to the transmitter, allowing the radar system to detect an object. Typically, radio waves are reflected when travelling between mediums having different electric conductivity. As such, radar systems are particularly effective at detecting electrically conductive materials, such as metals.
  • radar systems Since their development in the early 20 th century, radar systems have evolved and have been miniaturised such that they are now integrated into a range of everyday devices.
  • One common everyday use of radar is in driver assistance systems in vehicles. Radar is used for a variety of warning systems, semi-autonomous systems and autonomous systems in vehicles. Such systems include proximity detection, which can be used for parking assistance, adaptive cruise controls, crash avoidance and blind spot detection.
  • radar in combination with light illuminating detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems provide the sensing systems being developed for autonomous vehicles.
  • LIDAR light illuminating detection and ranging
  • the radar transmitter and receiver should be positioned central to the desired detection zone, and at a height sufficient and/or appropriate to provide a sufficient detection range, as radar systems used on vehicles require line-of-sight. In vehicles this is typically at the front and rear of the vehicle in an upper portion of, or above, a vehicles front grill (at the front) or at a central point (both vertically and horizontally) on the back of the vehicle. Problematically, these areas typically include components with a metallic finish for example metallic grills, bumpers or the badge of the vehicle.
  • a radome is a protective cover which is substantially radio-wave transmissive, and therefore does not attenuate the radio signals.
  • Suitable materials for providing a radome include plastics which are electrically insulating.
  • Integration of such plastic radomes, when a metallic finish is desired, has been difficult to achieve.
  • Typical metallic finishes, such a chromium films on plastic attenuate radio signals and therefore are not suitable for use in radomes.
  • Patent Application 15/439,188, filed on February 22, 2017 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application 14/936,024, filed on November 5, 2015 , now U.S. Patent 9,656,601 , which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application 14/374,376, filed on July 24, 2014 , now U.S. Patent 9,181,616 , which is a national stage entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2013/000047, filed on January 24, 2013 , which claims the benefit of priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2012900267, filed on January 24, 2012 , discloses reflective coatings and a rear-view assembly device for displaying a state of a vehicle. It is proposed that the reflective coating is a chromium-based reflective coating.
  • a further example includes US patent application US 2017/0057424 A1 , which utilises an interference film stack of up to 30 layers.
  • Such complex film stacks can result in significant production costs and time, as well as introducing a number of quality control issues and points of failure.
  • Other radomes utilise complex combinations of films, paints, deposited metals and complex heat masking, again resulting in high production time and costs.
  • the transparency of the radome for the radar radiation should be not negatively influenced whereas it is also desired to enhance the emblem, for example by illumination.
  • the illumination could be the emblem or logo itself, a ring around the emblem of the entirety of the radome or car badge.
  • the emblem could be enhanced by avoiding or removal of depositions, for example dust, ice or the like.
  • a radome requires a uniform cross section of optimal thickness tuned according to the dielectric properties of a material.
  • the light assembly comprises a bridging light member that is located behind the design element to provide a laminar illumination of the design element.
  • This construction has proven itself. However it has been found that especially by the bridging element a selective illumination of parts of the design element, preferably with different colours and/or allowing a change between the illuminated areas is not so easy to be realized. Thus there is also the need to provide a further developed illumination function overcoming these shortfalls of the illumination device known in the state of the art.
  • US 5,172,024 A teaches a device to eliminate ice formed on the surface of a wall of an optical or radio-electric window, comprising: a self-supporting piezoelectric material forming at least a portion of said wall chosen from among the ferroelectric polymers of the group comprising PVF2, PVF2 -TrFE, PVDCN-VAc, PVF2 -TFE and the mixture of these polymers with one another and/or with PMMA or PEMA, said piezoelectric material having a vibrating active surface that mechanically vibrates to eliminate ice on said wall, and means for polarizing said piezoelectric material, comprising an AC voltage source and electrodes made of a material of the group comprising resistive indium-tin oxide, polymers that are conductive in a matrix, hydrogenated amorphous silicon and polyimides charged with organic salts, the electrodes being in contact with said piezoelectric material according to a geometry for generating an acoustic wave having a direction of vibration which is oriented longitudinally and/
  • the present invention provides a method of producing a decorative radome, comprising; providing a radio-transmissive substrate having a first surface and a second surface; applying, to at least a portion of the second surface of the, preferably radio-transmissive, substrate, a decorative layer comprising a layer of a metal or an alloy comprising a metal and a metalloid; and overmolding at least the decorative layer with a radio-transmissive polymer to provide an overmolded layer, wherein the radio-transmissive substrate and the decorative layer are heated prior to overmolding, to at least 70, 75 or 80 degrees Celsius, and wherein the overmolding is performed with a barrel nozzle temperature below 300 or 280 or 250 degrees Celsius.
  • PVD physical vapour deposition
  • the direct overmolding of the decorative layer encases the layer, thereby protecting it from the elements, electrically isolating it, and reduces the likelihood of water ingress between the substrate and the overmolded layer, a problem encountered with multilayer radomes bound by adhesives.
  • the substrate and the decorative layer are heated prior to overmolding.
  • the substrate and the decorative layer are heated to at least 60 degrees Celsius, or to at least 70 degrees Celsius, or to at least 75 degrees Celsius, or to at least 80 degrees Celsius prior to overmolding. This reduces the rate of temperature change in the decorative layer during the second-shot of the overmolding process, thereby decreasing the degree of thermal expansion during overmolding and helping to reduce the likelihood of visual distortion of the decorative layer.
  • the overmolded layer is formed with a barrel nozzle temperature at or below 300 degrees Celsius, or at or below 280 degrees Celsius, or at or below 250 degrees Celsius, or at or below 245 degrees Celsius during the overmolding process.
  • a particularly desirable use of the method of the present invention is to provide a badge for the front of a vehicle.
  • such badges consist of three dimensional symbols which traditionally are chrome plated, or have a metallic appearance. Therefore, it is desirable to try and replicate such a badge in a manner that is suitable for use as a radome.
  • the decorative layer is applied to only a portion of the substrate to form a visual feature.
  • This visual feature may be a symbol such as a logo, preferably car logo, or any other desired symbol.
  • the substrate may include a relieved portion and/or elevated portion on the second surface of the, preferably radio-transmissive, substrate, defining (at least a portion of) the visual feature.
  • the relieved portion is provided by a recess toward the first surface of the substrate and/or the elevated portion is provided by a projection extending from the second surface.
  • the decorative layer may be applied to the relieved portion and/or the elevated portion to provide a three dimensional decorative layer.
  • the decorative layer is a reflective layer. Consequently, in some embodiments the decorative layer is a reflective layer which is at least 35% reflective, or at least 45% reflective, or at least 50% reflective, or at least 55% reflective, especially with regard to the photopic reflectivity.
  • the radome is designed to encompass the decorative layer within two layers of polymer, it is desirable to measure the reflectivity as viewed from the 2nd surface (i.e. the external surface of a transparent layer).
  • the decorative layer is provided as a thin coating layer.
  • the average thickness of the decorative layer is 20 - 190nm thick, or 40 to 170nm thick, or 60 to 150nm thick.
  • Such thin coatings can be provided by multiple methods in the art.
  • the decorative layer is deposited and/or applied by Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD).
  • the PVD method is magnetron sputtering, or evaporation, which may be resistive thermal evaporation or electron-beam evaporation.
  • the decorative layer is deposited by magnetron sputtering.
  • PVD methods allow the deposition of a thin film at a uniform thickness, which helps control the residual stress characteristics of the deposited layer, thereby allowing a user and/or manufacturer to tune the characteristics layer. This helps control the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of the decorative layer and thereby reduces the likelihood of visual distortion during overmolding.
  • Suitable metals for use in the method of the invention include indium and tin.
  • Suitable metalloids for use in the method of the invention include germanium and silicon.
  • Suitable metals for formation of an alloy with a metalloid include Aluminium.
  • the decorative layer comprises indium, or tin, or an alloy of Germanium.
  • the alloy of Germanium is Germanium and Aluminium, or Germanium and Silicon, or Germanium and Aluminium and Silicon.
  • the alloy is Aluminium and Silicon or Silver and Germanium or Indium and Germanium.
  • the decorative coating comprises an alloy of Germanium
  • the alloy may comprise at least 25 wt.% germanium, or at least 40 wt.% germanium, or at least 45 wt.% germanium, or at least 50 wt.% germanium, or at least 55 wt.% germanium.
  • the decorative layer acts as a frequency selective surface bandpass filter and/or comprises at least one repetitive pattern, wherein preferably the frequency selective surface bandpass filter is produced by structuring of the decorative layer after its application, preferably by laser etching.
  • the decorative layer By providing such a selective surface bandpass filter, i.e. a filter that is a thin, repetitive surface designed to reflect, transmit or absorb electromagnetic fields based on the different frequencies of the fields, it becomes possible to use for the decorative layer further materials that are highly reflective for visible light, like chrome.
  • the aesthetic outer appearance of the radome, preferably of the visual feature can be increased due to a higher reflectively compared to closed surfaces of other materials without negatively influencing the functionality of the radar unit covered by the radome as the decorative layer is transparent for radar radiation and thus not negatively influencing a transmission of radar radiation.
  • the pattern is designed such that it functions as a pass filter for electromagnetic radiation such as 27 or 77 GHz, allowing the radar unit to function without any negative influence.
  • the front and rear surfaces of the formed radome to be parallel or substantially parallel, for at least a portion of the radome, to provide a signal path of uniform thickness. Therefore, in some embodiments (once set) the overmolded layer provides a third surface which is parallel or substantially parallel, to the first surface of the, preferably transparent, radio-transmissive substrate, over at least a portion of the radome, the portion defining a signal path.
  • the substrate can be prepared in any desirable manner and in some embodiments the substrate is formed by injection moulding. Further, the substrate, and the overmolded layer can be formed of any suitable polymer and/or polymers, so long as the polymer is or the polymers are substantially radio-transmissive. In some embodiments the substrate and/or the overmolded layer are formed of acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene (AES), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), high-flow AES or acrylonitrile-(ethylene-propylene-diene)-styrene (AEPDS), a blend of thermoplastics, or PC-ABS blended thermoplastic.
  • AES acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene
  • ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • PC polycarbonate
  • AES acrylonitrile-(ethylene-propylene-diene)-styrene
  • AEPDS acrylonitrile-
  • At least one of either the substrate or the overmolded layer is substantially transparent to visible light.
  • the, preferably radio-transmissive, substrate is the layer substantially transparent to visible light.
  • One particular suitable polymer is polycarbonate.
  • the layer opposing the transparent layer is substantially opaque.
  • either the substrate or the overmolded layer is substantially opaque to visible light.
  • the method of the present invention may further comprise the step of applying an intermediate layer, preferably to at least a portion of the second surface of the radio-transmissive substrate and/or the decorative layer.
  • the intermediate layer can play a decorative role in addition to, or in combination with, the decorative layer.
  • the intermediate layer may be coloured and therefore may add colour to the decorative radome. Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the intermediate layer is coloured.
  • the intermediate layer might fulfil alternatively or in parallel further functions.
  • the intermediate layer might provide a lighting for and/or illumination of the radome, preferably of the visual feature, the decorative elements and/or the logo.
  • the intermediate layer might provide a heating function and/or a cleaning function, preferably to remove mist, water, ice or the like from a surface of the radome.
  • the cleaning function might comprise the generation of ultrasonic vibrations and/or sound, for example by a piezoelectric effect.
  • the intermediate layer might comprise a plurality of sublayers. At least wo of the sublayers might provide different functions, preferably one of the before described functions. Also a combination of sublayers might provide at least one function or a combination of such functions.
  • the intermediate layer is located on the side of the decorative layer facing the substrate or the side of the decorative layer facing away from the substrate.
  • the intermediate layer is located on the side of the decorative layer facing away from the substrate.
  • the intermediate layer preferably at least one of the sublayers, comprises at least one fibre optical device.
  • the fibre optical device allows to direct and/or emit light through and/or into the radome.
  • the light is preferably directed to the decorative layer. Due to a partly transparency of the decorative layer the light can be emitted through the decorative layer and thus illuminate it.
  • the decorative layer is in form of a visual feature, for example to provide an emblem and/or logo, the emblem is thus illuminated.
  • the fibre optical preferably comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of fibre optic strings, especially arranged in tracks. This allows to match the shape of the fibre optical device to the shape of the emblem and/or logo. In this way the light is emitted selectively in the area of the emblem/logo without illuminating, at least illuminating to a lesser degree surrounding areas.
  • the film can be located behind the decorative layer, i.e. on the side of the decorative layer facing the radar antenna.
  • the fibre optical device preferably the fibre optical strings might be layered and/or embedded in the at least on intermediate layer and/or sublayer, preferably in form of at least one, preferably polymer, film.
  • the use of such a film leads to a plurality of advantages, preferably allows to selectively locate the fibre optical devices in the area of the logo/emblem.
  • the polymer film is overmolded with the overmolded layer.
  • a film allows to maintain a uniform cross section of the radome and to avoid empty spaces. Uneven cross sections and empty spaces, preferably occurring during an overmolding process, onto an uneven surface could lead to the effect that the radar transmission performance is negatively influenced.
  • the size of the illumination structure does not lead to a negative influence of the radar performance.
  • Fibre optical devices allows to realise illumination structures having a diameter in the range of 125 ⁇ m.
  • the fibre optical strings in a film the film can be manufactured quite thin, like in the range of 350 ⁇ m.
  • the structure comprising the film and/or the fibre optical device can be made of dielectric material such as glass or polymers and the size of the structure is an order of magnitude less than the wavelength of the usually used millimetre radars, interference with the radar signal is neglectable.
  • the overmold and/or the decorative layer can be provided with at least one adhesive promoter on at least one surface, preferably both surfaces.
  • fibre optical device furthermore allows to locate a light source and/or a light engine away from the field of view of the radar unit. In this way disturbances if the radar filed can be avoided.
  • the fibre optic device is connected with the at least one light engine, preferably LED light engine, via at least one connection element, wherein the connection element it at least partly located in and/or connected to the intermediate layer, the sublayer, the film and/or the overmolded layer.
  • the intermediate layer preferably at least one of the sublayers may provide a heating function.
  • the heating function any ice , water or dust can be removed from the surface of the radome.
  • the heating function might be provided by providing at least one heating pad within the intermediate layer, preferably the sublayer.
  • the heating devices it is important to ensure that an attenuation and signal loss is avoided.
  • the pad can be provided by conductive printing thin tracks within a film.
  • heating pad When using such a heating pad it has to be ensured that a precise location of the pad with regard to the antenna is achieved to avoid negative impact on the sending and receiving capabilities. On the other hand a reduction of thickness of the heating pad is limited as the heating pad has to be on the other hand thick enough to provide sufficient rigidity and resistance to "survive" the production process and to provide enough heat energy.
  • a heating wire is embedded in the intermediate layer.
  • the heating element in form of a heating wire in the intermediate layer by embedding it directly in a, preferably self-supporting, intermediate layer, the production becomes less complicate and thus less expensive as well as less fault prone. Also it becomes possible to locate a heating element more precisely relative to the antenna such that any attenuation or losses are avoided, at least significantly reduced.
  • the use of such a heating wire furthermore allows to lead the wire around the intermediate layer, preferably the sublayer, the substrate layer and/or the overmolded layer, such that a terminal to connect the heating element with an energy source can be located on a side of the radome not visible from the side being opposite of the antenna and outside the field of view of the antenna and thus not influencing the emitting and receiving of radiation.
  • the heating element allows to form the heating element as a frequency selective surface band pass filter and/or having a wire that has such a small diameter that it does not negatively influence the transmission of radiation and the heating element.
  • the intermediate layer, at least one of the sublayers and/or the decorative layer may, or may also, act to mask the application of the decorative layer on the radio-transmissive substrate.
  • the intermediate layer, at least one sublayer and/or the decorative layer are deposited such that the intermediate layer and/or sublayer is not substantially overlaid, or not overlaid, by the decorative layer.
  • Such masking can be utilised when shadow masking during the deposition of the decorative layer is difficult, or the appropriate detail cannot be achieved by shadow masking.
  • the intermediate layer and/or sublayer is used in conjunction with a shadow mask in the method of the present invention to allow selective application of a decorative layer to the radio-transmissive substrate.
  • the intermediate layer may be any suitable layer, and in a preferred embodiment, preferably to play a decorative role, the intermediate layer is and/or comprises an ink, dye, oil or other suitable liquid.
  • the ink can be deposited by a suitable printing method. These may include dye diffusion thermal transfer, wax thermal transfer, indirect dye diffusion thermal transfer, screen printing, inkjet printing or a gravure printing process such as pad printing.
  • the intermediate layer is deposited by printing. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer is deposited by pad printing.
  • the method of the present invention may additionally include the step of applying a hard-coat layer to at least a portion of the substrate prior to applying the decorative layer, the intermediate layer and/or the sublayer .
  • the hard-coat layer can be applied to the second surface of the substrate (being the surface upon which the decorative layer is applied) and should cover at least the portion of the substrate upon which a portion of the decorative layer is to be applied.
  • the hard-coat layer thereby provides an interface between the substrate and at least a portion of the decorative layer, the intermediate layer and/or the sublayer. This interface can assist in binding the decorative layer, the intermediate layer and/or the sublayer to the substrate, or may assist in controlling the residual stress of the decorative layer and/or the rates of thermal expansion of the decorative layer or the substrate.
  • the hard-coat layer may cover a majority, or substantially the entire second surface of the substrate prior to the application of the decorative layer.
  • reference to the deposition of the decorative layer, or intermediate layer and/or sublayer, to the second surface of the radio-transmissive substrate encompasses deposition onto a coating, layer or film previously deposited onto the second surface of the radio-transmissive substrate, such as a hard-coating.
  • the method of the invention may include applying a hard-coat to the first surface of the substrate.
  • a hard-coat will act as a protective layer between the external environment and the substrate reducing physical and chemical damage.
  • the hard-coat (applied to the second surface of the substrate and/or on the first surface of the substrate) is at least 6 ⁇ m thick and/or has a maximum thickness of 28 ⁇ m thick.
  • the hard-coat comprising by applying one or more abrasion resistant layers comprising a material selected from the group consisting of an organo-silicon, an acrylic, a urethane, melamine and an amorphous SiOxCyHz.
  • the present invention further provides a decorative radome comprising: a first layer comprising a radio-transmissive polymer, the first layer having a front surface; a second layer comprising a radio-transmissive polymer, the second layer having a rear surface; and a decorative layer, between the first and second layer, comprising a layer of metal or an alloy comprising a metal and a metalloid, wherein the second layer directly abuts the decorative layer and the second layer is directly adhesion bound to the first layer, and wherein at least one of the first or second layers is comprised of a polymer capable of being overmolded at a barrel nozzle temperature at, or below, 300 degrees Celsius and wherein the first layer, the second layer and the decorative layer are heated prior to overmolding, to at least 70, 75 or 80 degrees Celsius.
  • the decorative radome of the present invention can be produced using the method described above, or another suitable method which produces the required features. Further, embodiments of the decorative radome should be interpreted as including the limitations described above as they relate to at least the substrate and the overmolded layer (being the first and second layer of the radome), and the composition and physical characteristics of the decorative layer. For example, the above description of desirable compositions of the metal and metalloid/metal alloys, the desired reflective properties and/or the desirable thicknesses should be considered as representing possible embodiments of the decorative radome of the invention.
  • the decorative radome can be provided with additional layers as described above.
  • the decorative radome includes a hard-coat layer on the front surface of the first layer.
  • the decorative radome includes a hard-coat layer between at least a portion of the first layer and the decorative layer.
  • the decorative radome can be provided with an intermediate layer positioned between the first and second layer.
  • the intermediate layer can play a decorative role and provide colour to the decorative radome. Therefore, in some embodiments, the intermediate layer is coloured.
  • the intermediate layer might fulfil alternatively or in parallel further functions.
  • the intermediate layer might provide a lighting for and/or illumination of the radome, preferably of the visual feature, the decorative elements and/or the logo.
  • the intermediate layer might provide a heating function to remove mist, water, ice or the like from a surface of the radome.
  • the intermediate layer might a comprise a plurality of sublayers. Each of the sublayers might provide different functions, preferably one of the before described functions. Also a combination of sublayers might provide at least one function or a combination of such functions. Further, in at least some embodiments, the intermediate layer or the sublayer is not substantially overlaid, or not overlaid, with the decorative layer. Such masking can be utilised when shadow masking during the deposition of the decorative layer is difficult, or the appropriate details cannot be achieved solely by shadow masking.
  • the intermediate layer and/or sublayer may be any suitable layer, and in a preferred embodiment the intermediate layer is an ink, dye, oil, wax, lubricant or other suitable liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate layer is an ink.
  • the substrate layer is used as a light guide or light pipe to illuminate the badge.
  • the radar unit is located on the side of the first or front surface. This allows to locate a light source or light engine outside the field of view of the radar unit so that the transmission of radiation through the radome from and to the radar unit is not negatively influenced.
  • an illumination of the radome preferably the decorative layer and/or the visual feature is possible.
  • an area outside the decorative layer on the surface of the substrate is provided with at least one masking layer, especially provided by the intermediate layer or the sublayer.
  • the masking layer might be opaque for radiation in the visual range, for example black polycarbonate so that no light fed into the substrate working as a light pipe is transmitted through the mask layer to increase the contrast to the decorative layer.
  • it is the purpose of the masking layer to bond directly to the substrate provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the end user when viewed from the third surface or rear surface and act as a mask to prevent any light bleed from the light pipe. It is preferred that this masking layer has an adequate thickness to be opaque and prevent light transmission.
  • polycarbonate as the same material as the substrate ensures a good bond between the substrate and masking layer. It will also provide superior performance in the field when exposed to thermal events as the properties will be very similar.
  • the cladding layer is preferably comprising a lower refractive index material or reflective material to further ensure that no light is transmitted through the masking layer.
  • the purpose of the optional cladding layer is to prevent the loss of light from being absorbed by the masking layer.
  • the cladding layer can comprise a material having reflective white characteristics, like a colour resin, that reflects a majority of incident light or can comprise a transparent material, like a resin, with a lower refractive index then the substrate. In the latter case it will behave like the cladding on an optical fibre and follow the same optical rules/ constraints.
  • this layer comprises a white reflective polycarbonate to ensure a robust bond during the overmolding process to the masking layer. Using polycarbonate will ensure good field performance to thermal events.
  • the decorative layer is applied to an elevated portion, preferably projection, of the substrate before a cover is applied to the substrate, the decorative layer and/or the mask layer formed by the second layer or overmolded layer.
  • a hard coat is applied to the rear surface of the overmolded or second layer to protect this surface from outer influences.
  • the radome it is desirable for the radome to have a portion, defining a radio path, which is of a uniform thickness.
  • the front surface and the rear surface of the decorative radome are parallel or substantially parallel, over at least a portion defining a radio path.
  • the direct adhesion binding between the first layer and the second layer should be considered as excluding binding of layers using an adhesive or solvent.
  • a reference to such a direct adhesion bond includes the bond formed when a polymer and/or multiple polymers are overmolded and interface during the overmolding process.
  • portions of the interface between the first and second layers may include, for example, an intermediate layer, sublayer and/or hard-coat layer applied to the first substrate prior to formation of the second layer.
  • the intermediate layer, sublayer and/or hard-coat layer may interface with both the first and second layer, without itself being an adhesive and/or effecting the adhesion per se.
  • the bond between the first and second layer improves the durability of the radome, compared to multipart radomes wherein the parts are held together with adhesives.
  • ingress of impurities such as water between the first and second layer will lead to attenuation of radio waves traversing the radome and may additionally result in delamination of the radome. Therefore, in some embodiments there is no water ingress between the first layer and the second layer of the radome when immersed in water at 60 °C for 240hrs.
  • the radome (including radomes produced by the method disclosed herein) does not substantially attenuate electromagnetic frequencies of 10 MHz to 3000 GHz.
  • the radome has radio wave signal attenuation less than 2dB (one way) across a signal path, or less than 1dB (one way) across a signal path. This attenuation can be determined at any desirable radio frequency; however, in some embodiments the signal is between 24 GHz and 79 GHz, or is 24 GHz, or 77 GHz or 79 GHz.
  • the decorative layer when in situ on the first layer, is resistant to electrical conductivity. Therefore, in some embodiments, the decorative layer has a sheet resistivity greater than 10 6 ohms per square ( ⁇ / ⁇ ).
  • the present invention also provides a vehicle including the radome of the present invention, or a radome produced by the method of the present invention.
  • the vehicle may additionally include an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving a radio signal.
  • references throughout the specification to the "first surface” or “front” of a radome or layer are references to the surface of the radome/layer which are closest to the side viewed when in situ.
  • references to the "second surface” or “rear” of the radome/layer is a reference to the surface opposite to the first surface.
  • Radar systems in vehicles typically use microwaves to provide line-of-sight detection of objects.
  • the three frequencies currently being used are 24 GHz, 77 GHz and 79 GHz.
  • 77 GHz and 79 GHz are used in vehicles as they offer improved range and resolution compared to the 24 GHz frequency.
  • Attenuation of radio-waves increases as the frequency increases, and therefore the microwaves used in automotive radar systems are, by design, susceptible to attenuation. This however provides a problem for radomes, as they need to form a uniform surface with minimal attenuation of the transmitted and received radio signals.
  • a radome needs to be transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, and also provide minimal refraction, while ideally being visibly opaque and attractive.
  • the present invention provides a method for producing a decorative radome, and a decorative radome itself, which can be used for a vehicle, which includes a decorative layer (24), but has minimal attenuation of radio wave frequencies typically used for automotive purposes, particularly the 77 GHz and the 79 GHz frequencies. Further, it is desirable that the radome meets the visual requirement and durability requirements for use as a decorative automotive badge.
  • the method of producing a decorative radome includes the steps of (1) preparing or providing a (radio-transmissive) substrate.
  • the radio transmissive substrate will have a first surface (22) and a second surface (23 - see Figure 2 ).
  • the method further includes (5) applying a decorative layer (24) to a portion of the second surface (23) of the substrate (21), preferably a portion including the relieved portion (25), wherein the decorative layer (24) comprising a metal or an alloy comprising a metal and a metalloid.
  • the method further includes (7) overmolding at least the decorative layer (24) with a radio-transmissive polymer to provide an overmolded layer (26).
  • second surface as used in the context of the invention relates to a surface upon which a decorative layer (24) may be applied and which may be overmolded.
  • first surface is used in opposition to the second surface.
  • the radio-transmissive substrate (21) is substantially transparent when formed and will provide the front most surface of the radome, when in use.
  • first surface relates to the forward most surface of the substrate (21), when viewed.
  • the first surface (22) will be the front surface of the radio-transmissive substrate (21) of the badge when viewed from the front of the automobile.
  • the radio-transmissive substrate (21) can be provided by any desired method.
  • the substrate (21) is injection moulded to form the desired shape.
  • the substrate (21) may be received already formed.
  • the substrate (21) includes a relieved portion (25) defining a three-dimensional visual feature on the second surface (23) of the substrate (21).
  • the relieved portion (25) may be provided by a recess toward the first (22) surface of the substrate (21).
  • the substrate (21) and overmolded layer (26) can be formed of any suitable material, but is preferably a plastic.
  • radio-transmissive substrates are typically resistant to electrical conductivity (i.e. are insulating or are a dielectric).
  • Suitable plastics and/or polymers for the substrate (21) or overmolded layer (26) include acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene (AES), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), high-flow AES, acrylonitrile-(ethylene-propylene-diene)-styrene (AEPDS), blends of thermoplastics, or PC-ABS blended thermoplastic.
  • the substrate (21) will be formed of Polycarbonate.
  • the method includes the step of providing an intermediate layer (29) and/or a plurality of sublayers of the intermediate layer to at least a portion of the second surface of the radio transmissive substrate (21).
  • the intermediate layer (29) and/or sublayers is/are applied prior to the application of the decorative layer (24) and can be applied prior to, or following on from, the deposition of a second surface coating (28) (in embodiments where one is applied).
  • the intermediate layer (29) and/or sublayers can be used to influence the appearance of the decorative radome produced by the method of the invention or might provide further functions as described with the help of Figures 4 to 8 below.
  • the intermediate layer (29) can in one embodiment be a coloured layer which applies visual colour to the decorative radome.
  • the intermediate layer (29) may also be a masking layer (which may be removable prior to overmolding or may be clear and remain in the decorative radome once produced) that assists in preventing application of the decorative layer (24) to unwanted portions of the radio-transmissive substrate (21).
  • the intermediate layer (29) and/or the sublayer is/are not substantially overlaid, or not overlaid, with the decorative layer (24) when the radome is completed.
  • the intermediate layer (29) is applied by printing.
  • the intermediate layer can withstand temperatures at or above 150 °C, 175 °C, 200 °C, 220 °C, 250 °C, 275 °C or 300 °C for a minimum of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 seconds, or 1, 1.5 or 2 minutes.
  • the intermediate layer (29) may be any suitable layer, and in a preferred embodiment the intermediate layer (29) is an ink, dye, oil, wax, lubricant or other suitable liquid or coloured film. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer is an ink. The ink can be deposited by any suitable method. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer (29) is printed. Printing methods may include dye diffusion thermal transfer, wax thermal transfer, indirect dye diffusion thermal transfer, screen printing, inkjet printing or gravure printing process such as pad printing. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer (29) is applied by pad printing.
  • thermo-stable ink such as Norilit TM U made by Procell, Inc. can be pad printed onto a three dimensional substrate, such as the radio transmissive substrate (21), and can tolerate temperatures up to 220 °C for more than two minutes.
  • Other suitable inks and printing methods are known in the art, and can be used in the invention disclosed herein.
  • the method includes the further step of providing at least a portion of the second surface (23) of the radio-transmissive substrate (21) with a hard-coat (28).
  • the application of a hard-coat to at least a portion of the second surface (23) of the radio-transmissive substrate (21) may provide advantageous functions, including (but not limited to): increasing or influencing the bonding between the decorative layer (24) and/or intermediate layer (29) with the radio transmissive substrate (21); controlling the residual stress and/or thermal expansion of the decorative layer (24); tuning the colour, reflectivity or other visual appearance of the decorative layer (24) and/or intermediate layer (29); and/or providing an interface between portions of the radio-transmissive substrate (21) and the overmolded second layer (26) thereby influencing the adhesion bond between the two (without been an adhesive layer).
  • the method of the present invention may include the step of (4) providing a shadow mask.
  • the shadow mask facilitates selective application of decorative layer (24) on the radio-transmissive substrate (21).
  • the type of shadow mask used will depend on the technique used to apply the decorative layer (24).
  • the shadow mask is compatible with PVD, in particular sputtering and evaporation.
  • the shadow mask is stainless steel.
  • the shadow mask can be attached to each radio-transmissive substrate (21) prior to application of the decorative layer (24) or can be positioned within the deposition machine, such as on the target side of a PVD machine.
  • the decorative layer (24) is applied only to a portion of the second surface (23) of the substrate (21) to provide a visual feature on the radio-transmissive substrate (21).
  • the decorative layer (24) is applied to the relieved portion (25).
  • the decorative layer (24) By applying the decorative layer (24) to only a portion of the substrate (21), this allows direct adhesion bonding between the first (radio-transmissive substrate) layer (21) and the (second) overmolded layer (26) in portions not provided with the decorative layer (24). In the absence of this direct adhesion binding between the substrate (21) and the overmolded layer (26), the layers may separate.
  • the decorative layer (24) is preferably a reflective layer, and includes any suitable metal, metalloid or metal/metalloid alloy that provides the desired reflectivity, or decorative appearance while being radio-transmissive.
  • the metal which forms the decorative layer (24) includes transition metals.
  • the metal which forms the decorative layer (24) is Indium or Tin.
  • the alloy is at least 25 wt.% germanium, or at least 40 wt.% germanium, or at least 45 wt.% germanium, or at least 50 wt.% germanium, or at least 55 wt.% germanium.
  • the decorative layer (24) is provided as a thin-coating layer.
  • the average thickness of the decorative layer (24) is 20 - 190nm thick, or 40 to 170nm thick, or 60 to 150nm thick.
  • Such thin-coatings can be provided by multiple methods in the art.
  • the decorative layer (24), preferably a thin coating forming the decorative layer (24) is deposited by Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD). Suitable PVD methods include magnetron sputtering and evaporation, which may be resistive thermal evaporation or electron-beam evaporation.
  • the decorative layer (24) is deposited by magnetron sputtering.
  • the moulding of the radio-transmissive substrate (21) (in embodiments whereby the radio-transmissive substrate is moulded), the application of any intermediate layers (29), and the application of the decorative layer (24) are performed in the same machine.
  • each step can be performed by separate machines arranged to operate sequentially.
  • the overmolded layer (26), once set, provides a third (rear) surface (27) which is parallel or substantially parallel, to the first surface (22) of the radio-transmissive substrate (21), over at least a portion of the radome.
  • the parallel or substantially parallel portion defining a radio path through which radio waves can traverse.
  • the parallel or substantially parallel nature of the first and third surface minimise difference in the refraction of the radio waves as they traverse different potions of the radio path of the radome.
  • the thickness of the hard-coat layer (28) is preferably selected to assist in providing adequate abrasion resistance.
  • the appropriate abrasion resistance will be determined by the required application and the demands of the user. In some applications, adequate abrasion resistance may be regarded as being a Bayer abrasion ratio of 5 with respect to an uncoated plastic substrate (21 - such as a polycarbonate), or alternatively by a Taber abrasion test with delta haze less than 15% after testing with a 500g load and CS10F wheel at 500 cycles, (% haze being measured as per ASTM D1003). With these requirements met, when an organo-silicon is used as a hard-coat layer (28), the thickness of the hard-coating (28) is preferably at minimum of at least 6 ⁇ m thick on average and/or has a maximum thickness of 28 ⁇ m thick.
  • a cap layer may also be provided by materials having characteristics, including: hydrophobic, hydrophilic, lipophobic, lipophilic and oleophobic or combinations thereof.
  • the invention further provides a decorative radome comprising; a first layer (21) comprising a radio-transmissive polymer, the first layer (21) having a front surface (22); a second layer (26) comprising a radio-transmissive polymer, the second layer (26) having a rear surface (27); and a decorative layer (24) between the first (21) and second (26) layer comprising a metal or an alloy comprising a metal and a metalloid, wherein the second layer (26) directly abuts the decorative layer (24) and the first layer (21) is directly adhesion bound to the second layer (26), and wherein at least one of the first (21) or second (26) layers is comprised of a polymer (thermos-polymer) capable of being overmolded at a barrel nozzle temperature below 300 degrees Celsius.
  • a polymer thermos-polymer
  • the decorative radome of the invention can include a hard-coat (28) provided to the first surface (22) of the radome.
  • the decorative radome of the invention does not substantially attenuate electromagnetic frequencies of 10MHz to 3000GHz.
  • the radome has a radar attenuation less than 2dB one-way (4dB two-way) across a signal path, or preferably 1 dB one-way (2dB two-way) across a signal path.
  • the decorative layer (24) comprising a metal or an alloy of metal and a metalloid, has a sheet resistivity greater than 10 6 ohms per square ( ⁇ / ⁇ ).
  • the direct adhesion bond formed between the first layer (21) and the second layer (26) improves the weather resistance of the radome compared to radomes formed of layers bound by adhesives. Therefore, in some embodiments there is no water ingress between the first layer (21) and the second layer (24) when immersed in water at 60 °C for 240hrs.
  • the decorative radome can be produced in accordance with the method disclosed above.
  • the decorative radome can be produced by any suitable method that provides all of the required claimed features and functions.
  • the decorative radome of the invention should be considered to optionally include, the structural and functional features disclosed above in relation to the method.
  • the decorative radome of the present invention can be used in any suitable context.
  • the radome is a car badge.
  • the car badge may include additional features, functions and aesthetics.
  • the radome can be used in combination with a light assembly, or may include additional features, as that described in WO 2017/009260 and US patent application publication number 2018/0202626 A1 , each entitled "A LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND A VEHICLE DESIGN ELEMENT INCLUDING SUCH A LIGHT ASSEMBLY".
  • FIG 4 a cross-section of an example of a radome (120) in accordance with the present invention including an alternative intermediate layer, preferably providing lighting and/or illumination function is shown.
  • the radome (120) can preferably be formed by a method as described before with the help of figure 1 .
  • the radome (120) comprises a substrate (121). Similar to the radomes shown in figures 2 and 3 the substrate (121) comprises a relieved portion (125) defining a three-dimensional additional feature on the second surface (123) of the substrate (121). Within the relieved portion (125) a decorative layer (124) similar to the decorative layer (24) described before is applied.
  • an intermediate layer (129) is located.
  • the intermediate layer (129) is formed by a firm comprising a fibre-optic device in form of fibre-optic strings.
  • the intermediate layer (129) is connected via a connection element in form of a light guide (131) to a light engine (133), preferably comprising an LED device.
  • the light guide (133) is reaching through the overmolded layer (126).
  • the light guide (131) as well as the light engine (133) are located outside a visual field (135) of a radar unit (137). Thus radiation emitted by or transmitted to the radar unit (137) is not negatively influenced by the light guide (131) or the light engine (133).
  • a protective hard-coat (130) is applied on the first of front surface (122) of the substrate (121) .
  • FIG 5 a slightly different a configuration of a radome (220) is shown.
  • the elements of the radome (220) corresponding to the elements of the radome (120) have the same reference signs, however increased by 100.
  • the main difference between the radome (120) and the radome (220) is the location and orientation of the light engine (233) and the light guide (231).
  • the light engine (233) can also be located on a side surface of the radome (220). In this way the distance of the light guide (231) and the light engine (233) to the radar unit (237), preferably a view field (235) of the radar unit (237) can be further increased.
  • FIG 6 a cross-section of the detail A in figure 5 is shown.
  • the decorative layer (124) is located.
  • the intermediate layer (129) is located on the side of the decorative layer (124) facing the overmolded layer (126).
  • the intermediate layer (129) comprises a sub-layer (138) including fibre-optical devices in the form of fibre-strings and thus forming a fibre optic panel.
  • sub-layers in form of adhesive layers (139) are located on both sides of the fibre-optic panel (138) sub-layers in form of adhesive layers (139) are located.
  • the light guide (131) is formed by fibre-optic strings extending all of the fibre-optic panel and or be connected to the fibre-optic panel (138).
  • the fibre-optic panel (139) might be covered by a further reflective layer on the side facing the overmolded layer (126) such that light is only emitted in the direction of the arrows (141) into the substrate (121) in the direction of the surface (122) shown in figure 6 .
  • light produced by the light engine (133) is conveyed through the light guide (133) to the fibre-optic panel (129) and from there it is emitted through the decorative layer (124) thus illuminating the area of the decorative layer (124).
  • the light engines (333) are optically connected to the substrate (321).
  • the light coupled into the substrate (321) cannot emit to the overmolded layer (326) outside the area of the decorative layer (324) due to the masking layer (345).
  • the masking layer (347) and/or the cladding layer (345) covers also die surfaces of the radome to avoid emission of light through these surfaces.
  • the masking layer (347) and/or the cladding layer (345) might extend also beyond the radar unit (337) and the light engines (333) or might encapsulate them.
  • reflective refers to reflection of visible light, typically in the nanometre wave length and frequency range of 400 to 800 THz. The percentage of reflectance can be measured using known techniques in the field, or as discussed below.
  • the front and rear face should be parallel or substantially parallel. Further, the interior of the radome should have no voids, air bubbles or significant changes in material density such as water ingress, and the decorative layer should be of a uniform thickness.
  • the coated article was further processed as detailed below within 48 hours.
  • a reflective layer was provided to the second surface of the substrate using the following process.
  • the coated substrate was loaded into a holding oven maintained at 80 °C for a minimum of 5 minutes to increase the temperature of both the substrate and the provided layer(s).
  • Subsequent coatings are performed within a 48 hour period so as to avoid ageing/ contamination of the parts surfaces.
  • the second surface of the substrate, having a provided reflective layer, was prepared for overmolding with a second radio-transmissive polymer to provide an overmolded layer, using the protocol detailed at Example 1 and an oven temperature of 75 °C.
  • the heated substrate was then loaded into the second-shot injection mould tool.
  • An overmolded layer was provided by a second shot injection of opaque acrylonitrile-(ethylene-propylene-diene)-styrene (AEPDS) onto the second surface of the substrate, at a barrel temperature of 220 °C.
  • AEPDS opaque acrylonitrile-(ethylene-propylene-diene)-styrene
  • Example 4 Reflective coating of Indium (no second surface hard-coating)
  • the hard-coated substrate was prepared for coating with a reflective layer as described above.
  • the reflective layer was deposited using the following conditions:
  • the substrate having a provided reflective layer, was prepared for overmolding with a second radio-transmissive polymer to provide an overmolded layer, using the protocol detailed at Example 1, above.
  • the heated substrate was then loaded into the second-shot injection mould tool.
  • An overmolded layer was provided by a second shot injection of opaque Acrylonitrile Ethylene Styrene (AES) onto the second surface of the substrate, at a barrel temperature of 225 °C. This overmolded layer covered the reflective layer on the substrate and the uncoated second surface of the substrate, thereby encapsulating the coating, to provide the decorative radome.
  • AES Acrylonitrile Ethylene Styrene
  • Example 5 Reflective coating across the entirety of the second surface
  • a reflective layer was provided to the second surface as described at Example 1 above, with the exception that the second surface was not masked and the reflective layer was applied to the entirety of the second surface of the substrate.
  • the reflective layer covering the second surface of the substrate was overmolded in the manner described at Example 1.
  • the radome was not assessed for environmental and visual performance as the overmolded layer failed to adhere to the reflective coated substrate.
  • the radome of the present invention does not need the provision of adhesives to bind the substrate to a second layer.
  • Example 6 Aluminium/Germanium reflective layer on a second surface coating
  • a polycarbonate substrate was prepared, cleaned and a hard-coat was applied as described above at Example 2. Consequently, the first surface of the substrate was provided with a hard-coat and unmasked portions of the second surface of the substrate were provided with a hard-coat. These unmasked portions include areas designed for deposition of the reflective layer.
  • Example 7 Indium reflective layer on a second surface coating
  • a polycarbonate substrate was prepared, cleaned and a hard-coat was applied as described above at Example 2. Consequently, the first surface of the substrate was provided with a hard-coat and unmasked portions of the second surface of the substrate were provided with a hard-coat. These unmasked portions include areas designed for deposition of the reflective layer.
  • the hard-coated substrate was prepared for coating with an indium reflective layer as described at Example 4 above.
  • Example 8 Tin reflective layer on a second surface coating
  • Examples 6 to 8 demonstrate that a multi-layer overmolded radome can be formed including reflective layers formed of post-transition metals such as Indium and Tin, in addition to a metalloid alloys comprising Germanium, in the presence of a second surface hard-coat on the substrate. This is compared to Example 4 where Indium directly applied to the second surface of the substrate (without an interfacing hard-coat) crazed when the second shot was overmolded.
  • post-transition metals such as Indium and Tin
  • the second surface hard-coat likely improves binding of the Tin and Indium layer to the substrate and helps control the residual stress of the deposited reflective layer during the thermal expansion caused by the second-shot overmolding. This consequently prevents crazing of the reflective layer as the substrate and reflective layer are heated during overmolding.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Aerials With Secondary Devices (AREA)

Claims (53)

  1. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines dekorativen Radoms, umfassend:
    - Bereitstellen eines funkdurchlässigen Substrats (21, 121, 221, 321) mit einer ersten Oberfläche (22, 122, 222, 322) und einer zweiten Oberfläche (23, 123, 223, 323);
    - Aufbringen einer dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324), die eine Schicht aus einem Metall oder einer Legierung umfasst, die ein Metall und ein Metalloid umfasst, auf wenigstens einen Teil der zweiten Oberfläche (23, 123, 223, 323) des funkdurchlässigen Substrats (21, 121, 221, 321); und
    - Umspritzen wenigstens der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) mit einem funkdurchlässigen Polymer, um eine umspritzte Schicht (26, 126, 226, 326) bereitzustellen,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) und die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) vor dem Umspritzen auf wenigstens 70, 75 oder 80 Grad Celsius erhitzt werden, und
    wobei das Umspritzen mit einer Zylinderdüsentemperatur unter 300 oder 280 oder 250 Grad Celsius durchgeführt wird.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die umspritzte Schicht (26, 126, 226, 326) nach dem Aushärten eine dritte Oberfläche (27) , die im Wesentlichen parallel zur ersten Oberfläche (22, 122, 222, 322) des vorzugsweise transparenten, funkdurchlässigen Substrats (21, 121, 221, 321) verläuft, über wenigstens einem Teil des Radoms bereitstellt, wobei der Teil einen Signalweg definiert.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) nur auf einen Teil des funkdurchlässigen Substrats (21, 121, 221, 321) aufgebracht wird, um ein visuelles Merkmal auszubilden.
  4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) einen freigelegten Teil (25, 125, 225, 325) oder einen erhöhten Teil auf der zweiten Oberfläche (23, 123, 223, 323) des Substrats (21, 121, 221, 321) umfasst.
  5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) auf den freigelegten Teil (25, 125, 225, 325) oder den erhöhten Teil aufgebracht wird.
  6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4 oder Anspruch 5, wobei der freigelegte Teil (25, 125, 225, 325) durch eine Aussparung in Richtung der ersten Oberfläche (22, 122, 222, 322) bereitgestellt wird oder der erhöhte Teil durch einen Vorsprung (343) bereitgestellt wird, der sich von der ersten Oberfläche (22, 122, 222, 322) weg erstreckt.
  7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) maskiert wird, um den Aufbringungsbereich der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) auf nur einen Teil der zweiten Oberfläche (23, 123, 223, 323) des funkdurchlässigen Substrats (21, 121, 221, 321) zu beschränken.
  8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) durch Spritzgießen ausgebildet wird.
  9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei entweder das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) oder die umspritzte Schicht (26, 126, 226, 326) für sichtbares Licht im Wesentlichen transparent ist.
  10. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei entweder das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) oder die umspritzte Schicht (26, 126, 226, 326) für sichtbares Licht im Wesentlichen undurchlässig ist.
  11. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) für sichtbares Licht im Wesentlichen transparent ist und die umspritzte Schicht (26, 126, 226, 326) für sichtbares Licht im Wesentlichen undurchlässig ist.
  12. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, wobei das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) aus Polycarbonat ausgebildet ist.
  13. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, wobei die umspritzte Schicht (26, 126, 226, 326) und/oder das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) aus wenigstens einem der folgenden Materialien ausgebildet ist/sind und/oder zumindest teilweise aus diesem besteht/bestehen: Acrylnitril-Ethylen-Styrol (AES), Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol (ABS), Polycarbonat (PC), hochfließfähiges AES oder Acrylnitril-(Ethylen-Propylen-Dien)-Styrol (AEPDS), eine Mischung aus Thermoplasten oder PC-ABS-gemischtem Thermoplast.
  14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, wobei es sich bei der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) um eine reflektierende Schicht handelt.
  15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, wobei die reflektierende Schicht wenigstens 35 % reflektierend, vorzugsweise photopisch reflektierend, oder wenigstens 45 % reflektierend, vorzugsweise photopisch reflektierend, oder wenigstens 50 % reflektierend, vorzugsweise photopisch reflektierend, oder wenigstens 55 % reflektierend, vorzugsweise photopisch reflektierend ist.
  16. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, wobei die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) durch physikalische Gasphasenabscheidung aufgebracht wird.
  17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 16, wobei es sich bei der physikalischen Gasphasenabscheidung um eine Vakuumabscheidung oder Magnetron-Sputterung handelt.
  18. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 17, wobei die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) Indium, Zinn oder eine Legierung umfasst, die ein Metall und Germanium und/oder Silizium umfasst.
  19. Verfahren nach Anspruch 18, wobei es sich bei dem Metall der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) um Aluminium handelt.
  20. Verfahren nach Anspruch 18 oder Anspruch 19, wobei die Legierung Germanium umfasst und wobei die Konzentration an Germanium wenigstens 25 Gew.-% Germanium oder wenigstens 40 Gew.-% Germanium oder wenigstens 45 Gew.-% Germanium oder wenigstens 50 Gew.-% Germanium oder wenigstens 55 Gew.-% Germanium beträgt.
  21. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 20, wobei die Germaniumlegierung Silizium umfasst.
  22. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 21, wobei die durchschnittliche Dicke der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) 20 bis 190 nm, oder 40 bis 170 nm, oder 60 bis 150 nm beträgt.
  23. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 22, wobei die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) dazu ausgestaltet ist, zumindest teilweise als frequenzselektiver Oberflächenbandpassfilter zu wirken und/oder wenigstens ein sich wiederholendes Muster umfasst, wobei das Muster vorzugsweise Kreuze, Kreise, Quadrate, Sterne, Rechtecke, Linien, Sechsecke, Ellipsoide, Polygone, Ringformen, Halbkreise, Kreissektoren, Triquetrae, Halbmondformen, Arbeli, Spiralen, Lemniskaten und/oder ovale Formen umfasst.
  24. Verfahren nach Anspruch 23, wobei der frequenzselektive Oberflächenbandpassfilter durch Strukturierung der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) nach deren Aufbringen, vorzugsweise durch Laserätzen, hergestellt wird.
  25. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 24, ferner umfassend das Aufbringen wenigstens einer Zwischenschicht (29), vorzugsweise auf wenigstens einen Teil der zweiten Oberfläche (23, 123, 223, 323) des funkdurchlässigen Substrats (21, 121, 221, 321) und/oder wenigstens einen Teil der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324).
  26. Verfahren nach Anspruch 25, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29) dazu ausgestaltet ist, wenigstens eine Funktionalität, vorzugsweise eine Mehrzahl von Funktionalitäten, für das Radom bereitzustellen, vorzugsweise ein visuelles Merkmal, ein dekoratives Merkmal, vorzugsweise zusätzlich zu der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) und/oder dem visuellen Merkmal, wenigstens eine Beleuchtungs- und/oder Illuminationsfunktionalität, wenigstens eine Heizfunktionalität und/oder wenigstens eine Reinigungsfunktionalität.
  27. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 25 oder 26, wobei wenigstens zwei, vorzugsweise eine Mehrzahl von Unterschichten aufgebracht werden, wobei vorzugsweise durch jede der Unterschichten zumindest teilweise wenigstens eine der Funktionalitäten, vorzugsweise unterschiedliche Funktionalitäten, bereitgestellt wird/werden.
  28. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 25 bis 27, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29), vorzugsweise wenigstens eine der Unterschichten, vor dem Aufbringen oder nach dem Aufbringen der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) aufgebracht wird, vorzugsweise in Abhängigkeit von der durch die Zwischenschicht (29) und/oder Unterschicht bereitgestellten Funktionalität.
  29. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 25 bis 28, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29), vorzugsweise wenigstens eine der Unterschichten, vorzugsweise in Abhängigkeit von der durch die Zwischenschicht (29) und/oder die Unterschicht bereitgestellten Funktionalität, auf das Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) und/oder auf die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) aufgebracht wird.
  30. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 25 bis 29, umfassend das Einbetten wenigstens eines Heizpads und/oder wenigstens eines Heizdrahtes in die Zwischenschicht (29), vorzugsweise in wenigstens eine der Unterschichten, wobei vorzugsweise das Einbetten des Heizdrahtes ein zumindest teilweises Schmelzen der Zwischenschicht (29) und/oder der Unterschicht umfasst, vorzugsweise durch Ultraschall, thermisch, thermosonisch und/oder mechanisch, vorzugsweise unter Verwendung von Kompression.
  31. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 25 bis 30, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29) bedruckt wird, vorzugsweise im Tampondruckverfahren.
  32. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 25 bis 31, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29) gefärbt ist und/oder das Aufbringen der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) auf das funkdurchlässige Substrat (21, 121, 221, 321) maskiert.
  33. Dekoratives Radom, umfassend:
    - eine erste Schicht, die ein funkdurchlässiges Polymer umfasst, wobei die erste Schicht eine vordere Oberfläche aufweist;
    - eine zweite Schicht, die ein funkdurchlässiges Polymer umfasst, wobei die zweite Schicht eine hintere Oberfläche aufweist; und
    - eine dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) zwischen wenigstens einem Teil der ersten und der zweiten Schicht, umfassend eine Schicht aus Metall oder einer Legierung, die ein Metall und ein Metalloid umfasst,
    - wobei die zweite Schicht direkt oder indirekt an der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) anliegt und direkt haftend oder indirekt mit der ersten Schicht verbunden ist;
    wobei wenigstens die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) mit der zweiten Schicht umspritzt ist, um eine umspritzte Schicht bereitzustellen,
    wobei wenigstens eine der ersten oder zweiten Schicht aus einem Polymer besteht, das durch Umspritzen bei einer Zylinderdüsentemperatur unter 300 Grad Celsius ausgebildet werden kann;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Schicht und die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) vor dem Umspritzen auf wenigstens 70, 75 oder 80 Grad Celsius erhitzt werden.
  34. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 33, ferner umfassend eine Zwischenschicht (29) zwischen wenigstens einem Teil der ersten Schicht und der zweiten Schicht.
  35. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 34, wobei es sich bei der Zwischenschicht (29) um Tinte handelt.
  36. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 34 oder 35, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29) dazu ausgestaltet ist, wenigstens eine Funktionalität, vorzugsweise eine Mehrzahl von Funktionalitäten, für das Radom bereitzustellen, vorzugsweise das visuelle Merkmal, ein dekoratives Merkmal, vorzugsweise zusätzlich zu der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324), wenigstens eine Beleuchtungs- und/oder Illuminationsfunktionalität, wenigstens eine Heizfunktionalität und/oder wenigstens eine Reinigungsfunktionalität.
  37. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 34 bis 36, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29) wenigstens zwei, vorzugsweise eine Mehrzahl von Unterschichten umfasst, wobei vorzugsweise jede der Unterschichten dazu ausgestaltet ist, zumindest teilweise wenigstens eine der Funktionalitäten, vorzugsweise jeweils unterschiedliche Funktionalitäten, bereitzustellen.
  38. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 37, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29), vorzugsweise wenigstens eine der Unterschichten, vorzugsweise in Abhängigkeit von der durch die Zwischenschicht (29) und/oder Unterschicht bereitgestellten Funktionalität, zwischen der ersten Schicht und der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) oder zwischen der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) und der zweiten Schicht angeordnet ist.
  39. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 37, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29), vorzugsweise wenigstens eine der Unterschichten, vorzugsweise in Abhängigkeit von der durch die Zwischenschicht (29) und/oder Unterschicht bereitgestellten Funktionalität, auf der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) angeordnet ist.
  40. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 37 bis 39, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29), vorzugsweise wenigstens eine der Unterschichten, wenigstens einen, vorzugsweise eine Mehrzahl von Heizdrähten und/oder wenigstens ein Heizpad umfasst, wobei der Heizdraht vorzugsweise durch teilweises Schmelzen der Zwischenschicht (29) und/oder der Unterschicht in die Zwischenschicht (29) und/oder die Unterschicht eingebettet wird.
  41. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 40, wobei der Heizdraht in ein Muster eingebettet ist, vorzugsweise der Draht wenigstens einen frequenzselektiven Oberflächenbandpassfilter ausbildet und/oder der Draht zumindest teilweise einen Durchmesser von weniger als 60 Mikrometer, vorzugsweise weniger als 40 Mikrometer, noch bevorzugter weniger als 30 Mikrometer aufweist, wobei vorzugsweise der Bandpassfilter funkdurchlässig ist.
  42. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 34 oder 41, wobei die Zwischenschicht (29) und/oder die Unterschicht gefärbt ist/sind und/oder nicht wesentlich mit der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) überdeckt ist/sind.
  43. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 33 bis 42, wobei die vordere Oberfläche und die hintere Oberfläche des Radoms im Wesentlichen parallel sind, über wenigstens einen Teil des dekorativen Radoms, der einen Funkweg definiert.
  44. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 33 bis 43, wobei es sich bei der dekorativen Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) um eine reflektierende Schicht handelt.
  45. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 44, wobei die reflektierende Schicht wenigstens 35 % reflektierend, vorzugsweise photopisch reflektierend, oder wenigstens 45 % reflektierend, vorzugsweise photopisch reflektierend, oder wenigstens 50 % reflektierend, vorzugsweise photopisch reflektierend, oder wenigstens 55 % reflektierend, vorzugsweise photopisch reflektierend ist.
  46. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 33 bis 45, wobei die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) Indium, Zinn oder eine Legierung umfasst, die ein Metall und Germanium und/oder Silizium umfasst.
  47. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 46, wobei es sich bei dem Metall um Aluminium handelt.
  48. Dekoratives Radom nach Anspruch 46 oder 47, wobei die Legierung Germanium umfasst und wobei die Konzentration an Germanium wenigstens 25 Gew.-% Germanium oder wenigstens 40 Gew.-% Germanium oder wenigstens 45 Gew.-% Germanium oder wenigstens 50 Gew.-% Germanium oder wenigstens 55 Gew.-% Germanium beträgt.
  49. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 46 bis 48, wobei die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) 20 bis 190 nm dick oder 40 bis 170 nm dick oder 60 bis 150 nm dick ist.
  50. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 33 bis 49, wobei eine oder beide der ersten und/oder zweiten Schicht aus Acrylnitril-Ethylen-Styrol, Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol, Polycarbonat, hochfließfähigem AES-Polycarbonat oder Acrylnitril-(Ethylen-Propylen-Dien)-Styrol, einer Mischung aus Thermoplasten oder einem PC-ABS-Thermoplastgemisch ausgebildet ist.
  51. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 33 bis 49, wobei eine oder beide der ersten und/oder zweiten Schicht aus Polycarbonat ausgebildet sind/ist.
  52. Dekoratives Radom nach einem der Ansprüche 33 bis 51, wobei
    - das Radom elektromagnetische Frequenzen von 10 MHz bis 3000 GHz nicht wesentlich dämpft und/oder
    - das Radom eine Einweg-Funkwellen-Signaldämpfung von weniger als 2 dB über einen Signalweg oder eine Einweg-Funkwellen-Dämpfung von weniger als 1 dB über einen Signalweg aufweist und/oder
    - die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) einen Schichtwiderstand von mehr als 106 Ohm pro Quadrat (Ω/□) aufweist und/oder
    - es kein Eindringen von Wasser zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Schicht gibt, wenn das Radom 240 Stunden lang bei 60 °C in Wasser getaucht wird.
  53. Dekoratives Radom, hergestellt nach einem Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 32, wobei
    - das Radom elektromagnetische Frequenzen von 10 MHz bis 3000 GHz nicht wesentlich dämpft und/oder
    - das Radom eine Einweg-Funkwellen-Signaldämpfung von weniger als 2 dB über einen Signalweg oder eine Einweg-Funkwellen-Signaldämpfung von weniger als 1 dB über einen Signalweg aufweist und/oder
    - die dekorative Schicht (24, 124, 224, 324) einen Schichtwiderstand von mehr als 106 Ohm pro Quadrat (Ω/□) aufweist und/oder
    - es kein Eindringen von Wasser zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Schicht gibt, wenn das Radom 240 Stunden lang bei 60 °C in Wasser getaucht wird.
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AU2018903894A AU2018903894A0 (en) 2018-10-15 Decorative Radome and Method of Producing the Same
DE102019100669.4A DE102019100669A1 (de) 2019-01-11 2019-01-11 Elektromagnetischer Störschutz für Radome
DE102019101033.0A DE102019101033A1 (de) 2019-01-16 2019-01-16 Abdeckung für eine Antenne und Verfahren zur Herstellung einer solchen Abdeckung
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CN109565103B (zh) * 2016-07-11 2022-03-01 桑尼尼汽车集团股份公司 用于车辆的天线罩
JP6652031B2 (ja) 2016-10-21 2020-02-19 豊田合成株式会社 車両用装飾部品及びその製造方法
US20180159207A1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2018-06-07 Srg Global Inc. Multi-piece vehicle radome having non-uniform back piece
JP6901566B2 (ja) * 2016-12-28 2021-07-14 サニーニ・オート・グルプ・ソシエダッド・アノニマ 車両用レドーム
DE102017201660B4 (de) 2017-02-02 2025-07-17 Robert Bosch Gmbh Verfahren zur Herstellung einer leuchtenden 3D-Radarmodulabdeckung und Spritzgieß-Anordnung
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EP3425730B1 (de) * 2017-07-05 2021-09-01 Zanini Auto Grup, S.A. Radom für fahrzeuge

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US12080942B2 (en) 2024-09-03
JP7410160B2 (ja) 2024-01-09
EP3867975A2 (de) 2021-08-25
WO2020078916A3 (en) 2020-06-18
US20210384622A1 (en) 2021-12-09
EP4664680A3 (de) 2026-03-18
WO2020078916A2 (en) 2020-04-23
EP4664680A2 (de) 2025-12-17
JP2022508732A (ja) 2022-01-19
US20250015488A1 (en) 2025-01-09

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